Sacramento, the Farm-to-Fork Capital of California and the City of Trees, is home to a treasure trove of assisted living communities. This Northern California haven allows you and your family to be as choosy as you wish, whether you’re looking for high-end amenities, multiple levels of senior care, or homelike communities. In Sacramento assisted living communities, seniors receive assistance with activities of daily living — such as dressing, bathing, toileting, and more — in addition to abundant activities and senior-specific amenities. Even with all of Sacramento’s offerings, making the decision to move into an assisted living community is a big deal, and A Place for Mom is here to guide you through the process.
This all-inclusive guide to Sacramento assisted living includes 41 of A Place for Mom’s partner communities, all within a 10-mile radius of the Sacramento city center. Here, you have everything you need to help you make your decision, including how much Sacramento assisted living costs and how seniors and families pay for this type of care. We also guide you through senior-specific benefits and local resources, California assisted living laws and regulations, and an in-depth overview of what you can expect from retiring in Sacramento.
[Name removed] and her staff put me at ease almost immediately. I have personally taken care of my mom until I was no longer able to provide the necessary care. I know she is well cared for at Sky Park....
Our loved one lived here for 3 years, 1 year in assisted living and 2 years in the senior apartments and we would recommend for others to consider this community for their loved ones. The environment was a...
The residents for the most part are happy and friendly and the care givers are caring. There are activities for the residents on most days so they stay as busy as they want to. One of the biggest things is...
We absolutely love Golden Girls, they treat our loved one like family. She came from a bad experience with another community and they have completely changed her, she is engaged with the activities...
Wonderful staff, supportive, kind and attentive to our Aunt's needs. They provide activities daily, celebrations, all in a caring, cultural environment. We couldn't be happier and Miyo enjoys her room mate...
They were all just wonderful. We put my loved one in a different place before that was awful, but moved her into the Eastern Manor facility and she loved it. It is really just a wonderful place to be staying...
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Sacramento community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities
According to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data, the average cost that families and seniors paid for Sacramento assisted living facilities between 2022 and 2023 was $5,073 per month. This cost includes room and board, senior care services, and fees and add-ons like pet rent and elective services.[01]
In addition to the senior’s new housing, assisted living costs may include some or all of the following features:
The figures below are baseline costs that can help you and your loved one compare Sacramento assisted living communities. Unlike the figure above, baseline costs don’t include the costs of care or add-on fees.
Seniors and their loved ones use personal income sources, benefit programs, or a combination of both to cover the costs of Sacramento assisted living care, room, and board. In this section, we guide you through veterans benefits, Medi-Cal, and Medicare resources for seniors. You’ll also find local, senior-specific resources in each section that can help guide you through application processes.
You and your senior loved one’s personal income like savings accounts, investment returns, pensions, Social Security benefits, and any of the sources below can be used for assisted living costs:
Veteran-specific benefits may be available to Sacramento veterans age 65 and older. CalVet is California’s veteran services program that helps qualifying senior veterans or their surviving spouses enroll in a Veterans Benefit Enhancement (or VBE) program. VBEs can help seniors switch from Medi-Cal to VA health care, which can provide veterans access to more VA benefits if they have a disability.
For example, the VA Aid and Attendance benefit is usually the most generous U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefit that gives monthly payments to eligible senior veterans. Your senior loved one can use these monthly payments to cover the costs of assisted living. For help with the lengthy and difficult application process, contact any of the resources below.
The county’s Department of Human Assistance Veterans Services can provide assistance with seniors’ benefit applications and can connect seniors with a local veterans service officer. Veterans service officers are essential to a smooth process and maximizing your benefits, whether or not you believe you or your loved one qualifies. Start with these VA benefits experts before you start your application so you can ensure the best chance of receiving all the benefits you or your loved one are eligible for.
Sacramento also has its own Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and Veterans of Foreign War (VFW) chapters, which are groups that can offer additional support.
Approximate number of veterans living in Sacramento
Approximately 50% of Sacramento veterans are 65+.
Resources for Sacramento veterans
Department of Human Assistance Veterans Services
3970 Research Drive
Sacramento, CA 95838
Phone: 916-874-6811
Hours: Sunday through Saturday, 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.; 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs — Sacramento Vet Center
1111 Howe Ave., Suite 390
Sacramento, CA 95825
Phone: 916-566-7430
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Disabled American Veterans (DAV): Sacramento Chapter 6
4404 Fruitridge Road
Sacramento, CA 95824
Phone: 916-429-1663
Meets on the second Saturday of each month at 11 a.m.
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW): Post 67
2784 Stockton Blvd.
Sacramento, CA 95817
Phone: 916-453-9209
Meets on the fourth Thursday of each month at 7 p.m.
California’s Medicaid program, called Medi-Cal, doesn’t cover the cost of room and board in Sacramento assisted living communities. Instead, seniors of low-income status may be able to use Medi-Cal to cover the costs of health care services. If a senior is eligible for Medi-Cal, they may benefit from the Assisted Living Waiver (also known as ALW). ALW is a Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waiver that helps seniors receive care in an assisted living community rather than in a hospital or a skilled nursing facility.
Covered California, the state’s health care portal, can help seniors access Medi-Cal in addition to low-cost full coverage health care plans. Seniors must have low-income status to benefit from Covered California. The application process is convenient for seniors, as the two programs share an application. This means that, to know what benefits a senior qualifies for, only a single application has to be completed.
You can contact a range of Sacramento organizations for help with a Medi-Cal application. California’s Medi-Cal Rx Customer Service Center and Sacramento’s Area 4 Agency on Aging are wonderful resources to get you started. You can also reach out to the county’s long-term care ombudsperson or review the state’s comprehensive guide, called My Medi-Cal.
Sacramento resident Medi-Cal resources
Medi-Cal Rx Member Helpline
Phone: 800-977-2273
Hours: 24/7, including holidays
Sacramento County long-term care ombudsperson9570 Business Park Dr., Suite 220
Sacramento, CA 95827
Phone: 916-875-2000
Sacramento Area 4 Agency on Aging
1401 El Camino Ave., 4th Floor
Sacramento, CA 95815
Phone: 916-486-1876
Apply through Covered California.
2631 W. Olympic Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90006Phone: 800-650-0922
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Medicare is a federal health insurance program that may cover medical costs, such as medically necessary in-home care. Review each part of Medicare below to see what may be covered:
Medicare will not cover custodial costs, such as the cost of room and board in an assisted living community, but seniors can use Medicare Savings Programs if they’re enrolled in Medicare and meet low-income requirements. These programs may cover part of a senior’s Medicare premium.
Seniors can apply for Medicare Savings Programs online and see which of California’s four Medicare Savings Programs best fit their needs. Each of the different options may cover portions of Medicare Part A, B, D, or a combination of parts.
For assistance with the Medicare application process, we recommend that your first step is to reach out to the local Social Security Administration office. After, seek help from the county’s long-term care ombudsperson or enroll in a local Medicare Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) to fully understand the benefits. 2-1-1 Sacramento is another resource that can help you and your senior loved one learn more about local senior services.
Sacramento resident Medicare resources
Sacramento Office — Social Security Administration
40 Massie Circle
Sacramento, CA 95823
Phone: 866-708-3208
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sacramento County long-term care ombudsperson
9570 Business Park Dr., Suite 220
Sacramento, CA 95827
Phone: 916-875-2000
Medicare Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP)
505 12th St.
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: 916-376-8915
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
2-1-1 Sacramento — local services guide
Phone: 2-1-1
Sacramento Area 4 Agency on Aging
1401 El Camino Ave., 4th Floor
Sacramento, CA 95815
Phone: 916-486-1876
The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) regulates and licenses assisted living facilities in Sacramento. The CDSS also licenses other senior care facilities in the state, often called residential care facilities for the elderly. In addition, the CDSS licenses continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), which provide independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing services all on one senior living campus.[04]
Seniors must be assessed before joining an assisted living community in California. The assessment process may involve interviews and health record reviews. In addition, assisted living facilities are required to follow these regulations:
Assisted living facilities are inspected by the CDSS once a year and within 10 days of receiving a complaint.[05] Inspection reports for each licensed community can be found through the CDSS Care Facility Search. Scroll down to “Search By Facility Group,” and select “Elderly Assisted Living.” Then, select the “Facility Type” and “Sacramento County.” Finally, click on the search button. You can also search by facility name or address.
California Department of Public Health
1616 Capitol Ave.
Sacramento, CA 95899-7377
Phone: 916-558-1784
Sacramento County has guidelines for isolation and quarantine to prevent the spread of COVID-19, but they don’t have a mask mandate in place. Check for updated guidelines on Sacramento County’s website. Some of Sacramento’s assisted living communities may have their own COVID-19 guidelines, so reach out to a community you’re interested in if you want to learn more.
Sacramento assisted living communities strive to break senior care stereotypes. Local offerings range from intimate residential homes to larger facilities that have multiple care types, enabling seniors and their families to choose a new home that fits their unique needs and preferences. Whether it’s an apartment-style community or a shared or private room in a residential care home, Sacramento assisted living communities provide a meaningful and enriching retirement.
In Sacramento, 61% of assisted living communities in A Place for Mom’s network are in residential care homes instead of larger facilities. Sometimes also known as senior board and care homes, these homelike settings house smaller numbers of seniors. Sacramento’s residential care homes offer standard services and amenities like daily assistance, three meals a day, housekeeping, transportation, and cozy communal spaces.
If you or your loved one are intimidated by the idea of moving into a large facility, a residential care home may be a good fit. Some of these options in Sacramento even have higher staff-to-resident ratios that allow for more personalized care and companionship. Residents will get all the care they need and the benefits of a maintenance-free, socially enriched lifestyle within the comforts of a home.
Combinations of senior care types
Aside from one stand-alone assisted living community, 36% of the Sacramento communities in A Place for Mom’s network offer a variety of care combinations. These combinations can include independent living and memory care services, connecting seniors to more peers and additional services for future consideration.
Larger care communities such as these usually come with more amenities, like swimming pools, fitness centers, and full-service restaurants. Seniors and their loved ones may also find peace of mind when they choose a community that offers memory care in particular. Should your loved one need memory care in the future, moving into an assisted living facility that offers both services removes the need for relocating in the future.
Sacramento assisted living communities can help your senior family member live a fulfilling, maintenance-free lifestyle all while receiving the daily care they need. Aside from creating individualized care plans and lifting a significant responsibility off of families’ shoulders, these communities strive to make each day meaningful. And throughout their experience, senior residents won’t have to lift a finger.
In communities with multiple care types, seniors can take a dip in a swimming pool just outside their door or stroll along the walking paths while the community caregivers take care of their housekeeping and laundry chores. After, seniors can pamper themselves or try a new hairstyle in the full-service salon, spa, and barber shop. In the evenings, they’re encouraged to meet up with their peers to enjoy a tableside dining experience or to catch their favorite film in the on-site movie theater. Each day belongs to the seniors in Sacramento assisted living communities.
In residential care homes, seniors can find intriguing on- and off-site activities. Field trips to local museums and shopping excursions are engaging and also convenient, thanks to the communities that offer transportation services. Whether it’s enjoying live on-site entertainment or simply taking advantage of their maintenance-free lifestyle, seniors can create a fulfilling retirement.
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Approximate number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Sacramento
Percentage of the Sacramento population over the age of 65
Average annual retirement income for Sacramento seniors 65 and older
Here, you’ll find the top three hospitals in Sacramento. They’re nationally and locally recognized for geriatric care and adult procedures, and several are located near A Place for Mom’s partner assisted living communities.
UC Davis Medical Center is the No. 1 hospital in Sacramento. It’s a teaching hospital that’s nationally ranked for cancer surgery, cardiology, diabetes care, and geriatrics.
Mercy General Hospital is the No. 2 hospital in Sacramento. This surgical and general care facility is known locally for neurology, geriatrics, and stroke aftercare.
Kaiser Permanente Roseville Medical Center is the No. 3 hospital in Sacramento. It provides both general and surgical care, and it’s known for high ratings in areas of adult care such as orthopedics, geriatrics, and kidney failure procedures.
The majority of Sacramento residents and visitors navigate the city by car or a rideshare service if they’re not exploring downtown or another walkable area. In fact, seniors may be interested to know that 78% of Sacramento assisted living communities in A Place for Mom’s network provide either complimentary or at-cost transportation services. These services give seniors a secure and reliable way to explore the city.
Seniors and their visiting loved ones may also find that the Sacramento Regional Transit (SacRT) makes exploring the city a bit simpler. SacRT’s bus routes and light rail lines are accessible for out-of-towners, seniors, and people with disabilities. The light rail stations use visual and tactile signals in addition to lifts or ramps to help people with impaired eyesight and physical limitations.
SacRT Go Paratransit Services is another accessible transportation option. Seniors can schedule travel up to two days in advance, and the service gives priority seating to seniors and people with disabilities. All of SacRT’s buses have ramps, lowering features, and room to accommodate mobility devices.
Sacramento’s transit scores are below, shown in numerical ranks from zero to 100 based on how accessible and easy it is to use each mode of transportation. Higher scores point to the best transportation options in Sacramento, and these can help seniors and their visitors gauge how easy it will be to explore the city.[09]
Between Sacramento’s ideal weather and its close proximity to the San Francisco Bay Area and Lake Tahoe, seniors and their visitors will never run out of indoor and outdoor activities. Sacramento truly has it all! From wine tastings and performing arts theaters to live music venues and pristine golf courses, seniors can achieve a relaxed and balanced retirement lifestyle.
Visitors will enjoy exploring these must-see Sacramento spots:
Sacramento’s picturesque outdoor nature reserves can accommodate both seniors and their visitors. In addition, all public parks in Sacramento County have modifications in place for people with disabilities:
As a stop on most every entertainer’s tour, Sacramento events have it all, from popular sports to performing arts theaters:
Together, seniors and their visitors can enjoy these engaging yet relaxed activities:
Atria Rocklin, Golden Moments Care Home Winding Way and Greenhaven Place are the top-rated Assisted Living facilities near Sacramento, CA. These Assisted Living facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Assisted Living in Sacramento is $5,108 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Sex by age by veteran status for the civilian population 18 years and over (B21001) [Data set]. American Community Survey.
U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. What’s Medicare? Medicare.gov.
California Department of Social Services. (2023). Laws and regulations. CA.gov.
State of California Health and Human Services Agency. Department of Social Services. (2008). Manual of Policies and Procedures Community Care Licensing Division: Residential care facilities for the elderly (RCFE), Title 22, Division 6, Chapter 8.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and sex (S0101) [Data set]. American Community Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population 65 years and over in the United States (S0103): Sacramento [Data set]. American Community Survey.
U.S. World and News Report. (2022). Best hospitals in Sacramento, California.
Walkscore. (2022). Living in Sacramento.
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Sex by age by veteran status for the civilian population 18 years and over (B21001) [Data set]. American Community Survey.
U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. What’s Medicare? Medicare.gov.
California Department of Social Services. (2023). Laws and regulations. CA.gov.
State of California Health and Human Services Agency. Department of Social Services. (2008). Manual of Policies and Procedures Community Care Licensing Division: Residential care facilities for the elderly (RCFE), Title 22, Division 6, Chapter 8.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and sex (S0101) [Data set]. American Community Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population 65 years and over in the United States (S0103): Sacramento [Data set]. American Community Survey.
U.S. World and News Report. (2022). Best hospitals in Sacramento, California.
Walkscore. (2022). Living in Sacramento.